Food safety is a given, when a consumer purchases food they expect it to be safe and fit to eat. The responsibility for ensuring food is safe to eat rests with the farmer (sometimes called the primary producer), the manufacturer or processor (if the food is prepared in a factory), the distributor and wholesaler (the people responsible for transfering the food from the manufacturer to the shop or to the door in the case of direct sales or mail order), the retailer and the consumer themselves.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Tokushin Enterprises Ltd. are warning people with allergies to fish or shellfish not to consume Kasugai Peanut & You (KSG-MIX SEAWEED PEANUTS CRACKER). The affected product contains fish and shellfish which are not declared on the label.

The affected product, Kasugai Peanut & You (KSG-MIX SEAWEED PEANUTS CRACKER) is sold in 98 g packages bearing UPC 4 901326 013032 and a sticker with English and French ingredients, a Nutrition Facts Table and the importer's contact information. All lots codes which do not declare fish and shellfish are affected by this alert. This product has been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba Ontario and Quebec. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. Follow the link for more details.

Fresh and Ready Foods, a San Fernando, Calif., establishment is recalling approximately 770 pounds of Asian Chicken Noodle Salad because the product contains egg, a known allergen, which is not declared on the label.

I have been following the development of this outbreak all this week. The Telegraph reports that the outbreak started in Germany where five people have died and a further 270 have been confirmed as having the bacterium. Around 500 more are being tested for the infection.

Three people in the UK who had travelled from Germany recently have also fallen ill after becoming infected with the rare form of E. Coli. Organic cucumbers from Spain are thought to be the source of the bacteria. The Health Protection Agency has now issued advice for travellers to Germany to avoid eating raw tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers. Cucumbers are currently also being recalled in the US for potential salmonella contamination. Science Insider reports that "German researchers suspect cucumbers from Spain are the source of a massive enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) outbreak that has hit the northern parts of the country. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), so far 214 patients have develope…

The Independent reports that the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is investigating an outbreak of E.coli after five cases were confirmed at a primary school.

"Edge Primary School, in Bristol, was closed on May 20 after three pupils became ill. The children were taken to hospital for treatment, and one was still being treated today. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said it was now looking at other primary schools in the area where milder symptoms have been reported. The HPA said that in the last week parents of 40 pupils at Redfield Edge School had reported mostly milder symptoms in children including stomach ache and diarrhoea, with some experiencing more severe symptoms. The agency added that all affected children were being laboratory tested for E.coli O157. The source of the infection is still unknown".

The Food Standards Agency has issued an allergen alert to confirm that Channell’s Norfolk Preserves Ltd is relabelling its Sticky Rib Sauce and Barbecue Sauce products because they contain allergens that are not mentioned on the labels. This means the products are a possible health risk to anyone allergic to any of those foods. The sauces are sold in the East Anglia region only. The products contain these allergens:
Sticky Rib Sauce – soya, fish, sesame, wheat and barley
Barbecue Sauce – fish and barley
Anyone allergic to any of these foods is advised to not eat the product that contains that allergen. Follow the link for more details.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that Food Depot #24, a McDonough, Ga., retailer is recalling approximately 500 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Follow the link for more details.

The Food Standards Agency have issued an allergy alert to confirm that all packs of these Booja Booja chocolate truffles have been withdrawn because they might contain milk: Hazlenut Crunch, Around Midnight Espresso, Ginger Wine, Cognac Banana, Champagne, Gourmet Selection and Luxury Gift Box. These seven products are a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy to, or intolerance of, milk. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert. Anyone with an allergy to, or intolerance of, milk is advised not to eat any of these products.

BCS Int’l Corp. of Long Island City, NY is voluntarily recalling DR. SNACK brand CHOCO RAISIN, 12 OZ. containers with “Sell By 03/05/2012” date code only because they may contain undeclared peanuts. People who have an allergy to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

DR. SNACK brand CHOCO RAISIN, 12 OZ. containers, with “Sell By 03/05/2012” date code were distributed to retail stores in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
DR. SNACK brand CHOCO RAISIN, 12 OZ. with “Sell By 03/05/2012” date code are packaged in clear, hard plastic (clam-shell) containers and bear UPC # 80555493026.
No other Dr. Snack products are involved in this recall. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the Fumagalli La Salumeria brand Seasoned Dry Cured Pork Loin described below because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected product, Fumagalli La Salumeria brand Seasoned Dry Cured Pork Loin, bearing Batch 119062 and Best Before 30.08.2011 is sold in 1.2-1.6 kg units. This meat product is also sliced at retail. The original brand name, batch and best before information may not appear on the meat sliced at retail. Consumers are advised to contact the retailer to determine if they have the affected product.

This product has been distributed in Quebec. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

The UK Food Standards Agency has issued a food alert to confirm that Snax 4 U has withdrawn all batch codes of Chicken Tikka Drumsticks and Chicken Biryani and Rice Ready Meals due to the products being produced and supplied from an unapproved establishment. Snax 4 U has withdrawn all batches of Chicken Tikka Drumsticks and Chicken Biryani and Rice Ready Meals due to products being produced and supplied from an unapproved establishment.

“Quenby Hall Blue Stilton Cheese” is being recalled by Schratter Foods Incorporated, a Fairfield, New Jersey-based food distributor, because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Follow the link for more details.

Doves Farm Foods Limited withdraws certain date codes of Doves Farm Organic Plain Chocolate Drops due to the undeclared presence of milk. One date code of the above product has been found to contain milk. Milk is not an intended ingredient and this makes the product a potential health risk for people who are allergic or intolerant to milk or milk constituents. Follow the link for more details.

“Nazareth Classic” and “Nazareth Light” cheese has been recalled by Atalanta Corporation, an Elizabeth, New Jersey based food distributor, because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and The Tree of Life Canada are warning the public not to consume the King James brand Blue Stilton Cheese, product of England, described below because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The affected product, King James brand Blue Stilton Cheese, was sold to retailers in 2 kg bulk round packages bearing Lot/Batch numbers between 019 and 034 inclusive. However, this cheese may have been cut and sold at retail/deli counters in random weight packages starting April 14, 2011 up to and including May 19, 2011. The brand name and lot code information of the original bulk cheese may not appear on the individual cut pieces of the cheese. Consumers are advised to contact the retailer to determine if they have the affected cheese. This product has been distributed in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland. However, it may have been distributed nationally. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the co…

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume certain batches of Fumagalli brand Pronta Fresca Lonza Stagionata (Seasoned Dry Cured Pork Loin) because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Rose & Shore Meat Co., a Vernon, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 15,900 pounds of ready-to-eat deli meat products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced. Follow the link for more details.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Alimentarus Import Export Inc. are warning the public and retailers not to sell, use or consume the Piment doux moulu (mild ground paprika) described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The affected product, Dar Al Assala brand Piment doux moulu (mild ground paprika), imported from Morocco, was sold to various retail stores in Quebec as 5 kg bags bearing UPC 6 111242 541054, lot code PD17-F278 and best before date 05/10/2012. This product is also known to have been sold from bulk. If you have purchased bulk paprika on or after November 12, 2010, and are unsure if you have the recalled product, check with your place of purchase to verify if it is subject to the recall.

This product is known to have been distributed in Quebec. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Goodness Gardens, Inc. of New Hampton, NY is voluntarily recalling Chives Lot # 0201111, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Officials at the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) announced today that test results on a sample taken from certain lots of Mountain Pure bottled drinking water show the presence of biological contamination.

The company has announced a voluntary recall of lots marked with a four-digit time code. The time code is written in military time, and the affected time period is from 2200 through 0400. This is etched into the plastic bottle. Also included is an expiration date code that says either Best By 2-27-2013 MPWA or Best By 2-28-2013 MPWA. These are bottles of purified drinking water in the 16.9 fl. oz. (506 ml.) size. ADH is recommending that anyone who might have purchased or received any of this bottled water dispose of it or return it to the point of purchase.

More testing is needed to identify the specific type of mold and its origin, and that is expected to take several more days. ADH has recommended to the company that they recall the entire lot where this sample originated, an…

Nut Bar Company Inc. of Wyoming, MI, is recalling 90 cases (total of 360 individual bags) of 40 ounce packages of “GFS Pecan Pieces” because they may contain undeclared walnuts rather than pecans. People who have allergies to walnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. of Tracy, CA has been notified by grower Six L’s that a specific lot of grape tomatoes supplied to Taylor Farms Pacific may be contaminated with Salmonella. This product has been recalled by Six L's.

This lot of grape tomatoes was used in the following products made by Taylor Farms Pacific for Albertsons, Raley's, Safeway, Savemart, Sam's Club, & Walmart and is being voluntarily recalled as a precautionary measure. No illnesses have been reported.

The public warning issued on May 5, 2011 has been expanded to include additional products. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with allergies to peanuts not to consume the Doctor's CarbRite and Universal Hi Protein bars described below. The affected products may contain peanuts which are not declared on the label. The affected products are described in the press release. All lots which are missing the allergen statement "Allergy Alert: Made on equipment that also processes soy, milk, egg, peanuts and tree nuts" or "This product may contain traces of nuts" and which bear a Best Before date up to and including June 30, 2012 (EXP 063012) are affected by this alert.

The UK Food Standards Agency has issued a food alert to confirm that Lidl UK GmbH has recalled St Maarten Classic Belgian Cheese Slices due to possible risk of microbiological contamination. Various date codes of St Maarten Classic Belgian Cheese Slices may have become contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Follow the link for more details.

The US Food Safety Inspection Service reports that Tri-City Cheese and Meats, a Kawkawlin, Mich., establishment is recalling approximately 252 pounds of kippered beef because it contains sodium nitrite, which is not listed as an ingredient on the label. Follow the link for more.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Alimentarus Import Export Inc. are warning the public and retailers not to sell, use or consume the Piment doux moulu (mild ground paprika) described below because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

This product is also known to have been sold from bulk. If you have purchased bulk paprika on or after November 12, 2010, and are unsure if you have the recalled product, check with your place of purchase to verify if it is subject to the recall. Follow the link for more details.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Nishimoto Trading Co. Ltd. are warning people with allergies to shrimp not to consume the Egg Custard described below. The affected product contains shrimp which is not declared on the label.

The affected product is sold in a 190 g plastic cup with the top label showing Japanese writing and the UPC 4 978050 014109. On the side panel the product is identified as Egg Custard (Chawanmushi) with the UPC 0 74410 77805 7. All codes are affected by this alert.

This product has been distributed in Vancouver, British Columbia. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product. Follow the link for more details

The lot code information can be found along the left side of the label on the package itself. These products contain undeclared whey (milk). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to whey (milk) run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the ingredient whey (milk) was not listed on the product label. The recalled lot codes were distributed nationwide to Target retail stores starting in March, 2011. The product is packed in clear clamshells. The print on the label says "Market Pantry Cookie Snickerdoodles" Net Wt 15 oz. (UPC 085239442074). No illnesses have been reported to date.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume a range of pre-packaged vegetable products because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella. Follow the link for product details.

Butterfield Foods, a Noblesville, Ind., establishment is recalling approximately 285,100 pounds of barbecue beef, pork and chicken products because they contain an undeclared allergen, soy, which is not declared on the label.

Stir the Pot, LLC, a Louisville, Ky. establishment, is recalling approximately 18,648 pounds of chicken products because they contain an undeclared allergen, fish in the form of an anchovy puree in Worcestershire sauce, which is not noted on the label.

The public warning issued on April 19, 2011 has been expanded to include additional product codes. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with allergies to peanuts not to consume the Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Chocolate Brownie bars described below. The affected product may contain peanuts which are not declared on the label.

The affected product, Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Chocolate Brownie bars, is sold in 56.7 g (2.00 oz) packages, bearing UPC 0 39442 08112 4. All lots which are missing the allergen statement “Allergy Alert: Made on equipment that also processes soy, milk, egg, peanuts and tree nuts” are affected by this alert, including EXP101211, EXP040211, EXP080811, EXP080911, and EXP041012. This product may have been distributed nationally.

There has been one reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Quality Natural Foods Ltd. are warning people with allergies to sulphites not to consume Quality brand Super Tasty Rasmalai. The affected products contain sulphites which are not declared on the label. Click on the link for more.

Tri-State Bakery, L.L.C. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling 24 ounce white and wheat breads purchased prior to May 2, 2011, identified through the description and the UPC and Item Codes because they may contain undeclared soy flour, soy lecithin, and milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy flour, soy lecithin, and milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Smithfield Packing Company of Clinton, NC and Tar Heel, NC is recalling approximately 216,238 pounds of Portobello Mushroom flavored pork loins because some of the product may contain an undeclared allergen. The product was prepared using an ingredient blend that contained whey (from milk), a known allergen, which was not declared on the label, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

Taylor Farms Pacific, a Tracy, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 22,000 pounds of ready-to-eat fresh salad products that contain meat and poultry because the grape tomatoes used in these products may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Quality Natural Foods Ltd. are warning people with allergies to wheat not to consume Quality brand Punjabi Wadi Spicy Lentil Chunks. The affected products contain wheat which is not declared on the label. Follow the link for more.

The Raymond-Hadley Corp. of Spencer, NY is expanding the 4/26/11 recall of varieties and date codes of Better Batter Mixes to include one lot of #1 Gluten Free brand Chocolate Cake Mix and #1 Gluten Free brand White Cake Mix because they may contain the undeclared allergen MILK. People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Flowers Foods today announces that, out of an abundance of caution, it is voluntarily recalling the products listed below with the following best by date codes: May 11th 0355 119 and May 12th 0355 120.

These products, in packages with the codes noted, may contain small pieces of metal. No injuries have been reported.

The affected product may involve the following states--Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia—as well as the f…

The FDA has issued a press release to confirm that Porky Products of Carteret, NJ is recalling Salted Smoked Split Herring (bloaters) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to consume the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled. Follow the link for more.

Mastronardi Produce Ltd., Kingsville, Ontario is warning the public not to consume Field & Farm brand, Grape tomatoes, 1 pint; and, Compliments brand, Santalina Grape tomatoes, 280 grams because they may be contaminated with Salmonella anatum.

Mastronardi Produce is taking this action after they were notified by a supplier about one lot of tomatoes that was later determined to be contaminated with Salmonella anatum. The supplier was Six L Packing Company from Immokalee, Florida.

The public warning issued on April 16, 2011 has been expanded to include additional products follow the link to find out more. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with allergies to peanuts not to consume the Raw Organic Food Bars described below. The affected products may contain peanuts which are not declared on the label.

Simply Asia Foods, LLC has voluntarily announced a recall of Thai Kitchen® Noodle Carts (Sweet Citrus Ginger, Thai Peanut, and Spicy Thai Basil) and Simply Asia® Noodle Bowl (Roasted Peanut). These products contain an undeclared milk ingredient. People who have an allergy to milk run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date and no other Simply Asia Foods products are involved in this recall. Follow the link for more.

Quinault Tribal Enterprise of Taholah, WA is recalling all canned seafood products including all Salmons, smoked and non-smoked; Tuna, smoked and non-smoked; Smoked Sturgeon; Minced Razor Clams; smoked Razor Clams; and smoked Steelhead. The canned seafood products are being recalled because they were not adequately processed according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's low-acid canned food regulations. Canned seafood that is not processed following those food safety requirements may be contaminated with harmful microorganisms that can cause serious and possibly life-threatening illness. Consumers are warned not to use the products even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Six L's of Immokalee, Fla. is voluntarily recalling a single lot of grape tomatoes, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. The strain of Salmonella has not been determined and no illnesses have been reported.

The specific lot was packed on April 11 and was comprised of grape tomatoes that can be identified by Cherry Berry lot code DW-H in either in clam shells or 20 lbs. cardboard containers. The product was distributed to North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Georgia and Canada, and reached consumers through retail stores and restaurant distribution. The contamination was detected through a random sample obtained by the USDA at a distributor in New York. The product is from a farm in Estero, Fla. which has since ceased production of …

Oberto Sausage Company, a Kent, Wash., establishment is recalling approximately 772 pounds of beef jerky products because they contain an undeclared allergen, soy, which is not declared on the label. Soy is a known allergen. Source: FDA

Organic Food Bar, Inc. of Fullerton, CA is issuing a voluntary recall on the specific listed lots of RAW Organic Food Bars listed below, because they may contain undeclared peanut proteins from cashew butter supplied by one of the vendors. These bars are being recalled because they are made with the same lot of cashew butter that was used in previously tested chocolatey chocolate chips bars. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts should return these lots to the place of purchase.

Further to food alert notification 2011.10, an additional two batches of Mc Carren’s cooked ham are implicated. As a precautionary measure, Mc Carren & Co. Ltd. is initiating a withdrawal of certain batches of cooked ham, due to potential processing errors which may lead to microbial contamination. Mc Carren & Co. Ltd. is contacting their customers to advise them of this withdrawal. No other products are known to be affected. No action is required by official agencies.

Tri City Cheese and Meats, Inc., a Kawkawlin, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 87 pounds of Teriyaki Flavor kippered turkey and beef products because they contain wheat and soya, which are not noted on the label. Wheat and soy are both known allergens.

The US FDA has issued a press release to confirm that Elsie Grace’s Dry Food Company of Frankfort, Kansas is issuing a recall of some dip mix and soup mix products because they may contain undeclared milk, soya, or wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, soy, or wheat run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. Follow the link for more details.

The US FDA has issued a press release to confirm that Raymond-Hadley Corp. of Spencer, NY is recalling some varieties of Better Batter brand baking mixes, because they may contain the undeclared allergen Milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. Follow the link for more.

The UK FSA has issued a food alert to confirm that Victoria Foods Ltd recalls various date codes of Nestlé Jane Asher Creations MILKYBAR My First Baking Mix due to possible risk of rubber contamination. follow the link for more.

About Me

Louise has a PhD in global food production and is a 2007 Nuffield Scholar. Her scholarship study was on global water policy and its impact on food production.
Louise has worked in the food supply chain for thirty years. Louise has written or edited five books and her research has been published in several peer reviewed journals. She also writes articles for trade and organisational publications.